UAE to partner with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

An MOU was signed between the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation to work together to promote the values of tolerance and the development of young people.

Media Release: Embargo Sunday 24th March 10am

UAE to partner with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to promote the values of tolerance and the development of young people.

Today at the Global Education and Skills Forum, Atlantis the Palm in Dubai, UAE, an MOU was signed between the UAE’s Ministry of Tolerance and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation in the presence of HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, and HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex KG GCVO.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is one of the most highly regarded youth development frameworks in the world. It has more than 1.3 million current participants, in over 130 countries and territories. It focuses upon the skills, behavior and attitudes that empower young people to navigate their way through the challenges they face, while making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. The Award is currently available in UAE international schools, with 60 organisations running the Award. The partnership will enable young people from all of the UAE’s various population groups to be able to access and participate in the Award.

Speaking at the MOU signing HE Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan emphasized that “this prestigious Award provides young people with skills and experiences that are consistently recognized by employers and educational institutions worldwide. The Award helps develop young people and support them on their journey to a successful future. Amongst the values promoted by the Award are tolerance and respect for diversity in all its forms. It is therefore natural that the Ministry of Tolerance seeks to work with such a prestigious partner to help promote tolerance.”

HE Sheikh Nahayan further noted “by promoting The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to all the residents of the UAE, the Ministry of Tolerance is furthering the virtues of tolerance to the broad range of ethnic, cultural and religious groups that make up the rich tapestry of this safe, secure, peaceful and prosperous country.”

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick Moody said: “I was grateful to be a part of the signing today of this Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tolerance and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. It is fitting that this takes place during the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, and it is another example of how the UK and UAE are working together to promote the values of tolerance and inclusion.”

Prince Edward said: “Today's young people are growing up in a dynamic, fast-paced world and the development of skills like confidence, adaptability and communication is important. Non-formal education - such as that offered by organisations that run The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - is a tried and tested way of enabling young people to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zone and become positive agents of change, both for themselves and their wider communities. This partnership is a great opportunity to further the work of the Award within the UAE.”

About the Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global, non-formal education framework which challenges young people to develop new skills, get physically active, learn about teamwork and leadership through adventurous journey and volunteer within their community.

There are currently 1.3 million young people completing their own unique programme, via hundreds of thousands of youth-focused partners and operators, including schools, youth organisations, examination boards and youth offender institutions.

Since its launch more than 60 years ago, millions of young people have participated and received Awards, with millions more benefitting from its impact in communities around the world. The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex is Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation.